What is there to do in Damaraland?

The Namib Desert delights with a plethora of experiences to enjoy. Venture out on nature drives to explore the dramatic scenery and unique wildlife. Search for smaller flora and fauna on guided walks. Grab a UV spotlight and see scorpions glow. View San rock art and amazing natural formations. Or simply relax around the camp fire, enjoying traditional song and dance and incomparable stargazing.

Yes, Namibia is one of the world’s safest travel destinations. With low crime rates, a low to no malaria risk, and a peaceful political climate, Namibia beckons for a relaxed family holiday away from the stresses of everyday life.

What language is spoken in Namibia?

The official language of Namibia is English. Most locals speak and write fluent English, and many speak German and Afrikaans, as well as a traditional language, such as Oshivambo.

Namibia is located in the south-western reaches of Africa, with South Africa to the south and east, Botswana to the east, Angola and Zambia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Namibia

Doro Nawas

Wild, Rugged, Remote

Experience a true cultural immersion in Namibia at Doro Nawas, amid dramatic scenery and amazing desert animals.

Home Africa Namibia Damaraland Doro Nawas Camp

Destinations

Wilderness Doro Nawas

A place of community, culture and curious creatures.

Feast your eyes on otherworldly panoramas, populated by intriguing desert-adapted wildlife and unusual flora.  Engage with the local Doro Nawas community. Discover the fascinating ancient history and incredible geological phenomena of Damaraland. Glimpse black rhinos, desert-adapted elephants and more. Discover a diversity you never knew existed in the desertscape of Namibia at Doro Nawas.

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NAMIBIA

Doro Nawas moments

Overlook ancient plains, with glorious views of rough-hewn Damaraland stretching in every direction. Doro Nawas blends in with the surrounding ochres and rusts, embracing the desert in hues of orange, pink, and gold. Fall asleep under one of the least polluted skies on Earth, a canopy of infinite stars. 

Guests at Doro Nawas enjoying dusk in camp

Wilderness game drive stops to watch an elephant

Doro Nawas moments

Overlook ancient plains, with glorious views of rough-hewn Damaraland stretching in every direction. Doro Nawas blends in with the surrounding ochres and rusts, embracing the desert in hues of orange, pink, and gold. Fall asleep under one of the least polluted skies on Earth, a canopy of infinite stars. 

Accommodation

A fortress on a rocky outcrop, the 16 wood, canvas, and thatch suites at Doro Nawas open to the desert with glorious views in every direction. An inviting pool and private outdoor shower provide respite from the hot, Namibian sun. The airy verandas offer a shady resting place by day and by night, a space from which to gaze at, and fall asleep under, a blanket of a million stars.

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Cuisine

To reduce our foodprint, strengthen our ties with the community, and create a healthier environment for all of us, we use locally grown ingredients in traditional recipes. During your stay at Doro Nawas try indigenous produce like venison, dates, local spinach, and beans cooked on an open fire in the boma, or served fresh from the BBQ on the rooftop, with the stars close enough to touch.

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THE DETAILS

Wilderness Doro Nawas

By vehicle or on foot, marvel at how desert-adapted creatures survive in the arid land around Doro Nawas. Venture further afield to discover more of Damaraland at Twyfelfontein, the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain, and Organ Pipes. Gaze up at Namibia’s legendary starry skies, and be lulled to sleep by the evocative sounds of Africa by night.

Purpose

Facilities

Wildlife

Area

Activities

Partnering with the community

Namibia’s rugged Damaraland offers up scenery found nowhere else. Its desert-adapted wildlife is unique. And so is our joint venture with the Doro !Nawas Conservancy and a Namibian empowerment company. This local partnership serves people and nature by creating economic opportunities for local communities. And it keeps this spectacular, remote area real, raw and wild.

Family unit

A family suite ensures complete privacy for memorable moments.

Pool

Take a refreshing dip for some respite from the African sun.

Sleep-out

Rest and restore your senses with a night on the sleep-out deck.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family, and share your sightings.

Safari store

Pick out a locally crafted keepsake for a reminder of your desert safari.

Where rhinos roam

Doro Nawas – ‘the place where rhinos used to live’ in the Damara language – rests on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River. The camp is an excellent base for exploring the astounding San rock art and prehistoric rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first World Heritage Site. Imagine millions of years past, when the geological wonders around you were formed.

Purpose

Partnering with the community

Namibia’s rugged Damaraland offers up scenery found nowhere else. Its desert-adapted wildlife is unique. And so is our joint venture with the Doro !Nawas Conservancy and a Namibian empowerment company. This local partnership serves people and nature by creating economic opportunities for local communities. And it keeps this spectacular, remote area real, raw and wild.

Facilities

Family unit

A family suite ensures complete privacy for memorable moments.

Pool

Take a refreshing dip for some respite from the African sun.

Sleep-out

Rest and restore your senses with a night on the sleep-out deck.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family, and share your sightings.

Safari store

Pick out a locally crafted keepsake for a reminder of your desert safari.

Wildlife

Area

Where rhinos roam

Doro Nawas – ‘the place where rhinos used to live’ in the Damara language – rests on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River. The camp is an excellent base for exploring the astounding San rock art and prehistoric rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s first World Heritage Site. Imagine millions of years past, when the geological wonders around you were formed.

Activities

Experiences

Doro Nawas experiences

Be awe-stuck on guided nature drives and walks, and marvel at elephant, springbok, oryx, and zebra. Spot a near-endemic bird, perhaps a Ruppell’s korhaan or Benguela long-billed lark. Drive across the plains to marvel at the astounding San rock art. Learn more about Damara culture in camp and at the Damara Living Museum.

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Wilderness Experiences Natural Wonders Victoria Falls

Safari wonders & attractions

There’s something epic awaiting at every one of our destinations. Discover Africa’s top attractions when you safari with us.

Safari wonders & attractions

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda

Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Stargazing

Lie on a blanket, behold the beauty of your surrounds, and contemplate space and your place in it when you go stargazing.

Stargazing

Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

Map

Explore camps in Damaraland

Rugged Damaraland feels like a frontier. Tabletop outcrops, small canyons, dry riverbeds, and golden savannahs reveal the animals that live within them: desert-adapted elephants, giraffes, zebras, oryx, springbok, bat-eared foxes, and more. Discover a desert landscape surprisingly rich with life.

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Doro Nawas

Standard Season

From USD 370 per person, per night

Premium Season

From USD 570 per person, per night

Travel with us

Journey with Wilderness

Find drama in the desert sands of Namibia, exploring the vast landscape as you move from camp to camp. Or combine your desert dreams with the contrasting water wonderland of the Okavango Delta. Wherever you decide to go with Wilderness, you’re guaranteed a safari experience that will have you wanting more.

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GUEST EXPERIENCES

Testimonials from fellow safari-goers

With an excellent 4.5 star rating from 403 reviews, guests consistently praise Doro Nawas's exceptional wildlife viewing, dedicated guides, and luxurious accommodations. Read what fellow safari-goers have to say about their unforgettable experiences at Wilderness Doro Nawas. Read more reviews on TripAdvisor.

Sleeping under the stars

"The lodge is a haven of comfort and friendly interactions in a rather barren environment. Staff greeted and farewelled us with fabulous singing; a very special and moving element of our stay. Sleeping under the stars was an experience not to be missed. We spent both nights here on very comfortable beds on the verandah. The accommodation was very spacious. Fanuel was a kind and friendly guide who drove us a long way to observe three desert adapted elephants. Sundowners were very pleasant and the sunsets were spectacular. All the staff here are amazing: courteous, friendly and helpful. We appreciated the excellent service a great deal. Food was very good. There were two large groups staying at the same time, so it was not quite as peaceful at mealtimes as it could have been. Two nights is the correct amount of time for a visit here in the summer. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our enjoyable stay which offered several unique elements."

Humble Diva | UK

★★★★★

Need to stay here!!

"This is a very special place!! We stayed two nights. The team really makes you feel welcome and home from the first minute you arrive. The terrace, the bar area, the dinner under the stars, etc. etc. makes this stay unforgettable. The service in this hotel is amazing and everybody to super well care of us."

Hardy C | Germany

★★★★★

Best lodge in Africa

"Incredible lodge, perfectly situated to admire the elusive desert elephants, giraffes, ostriches and other wildlife. The rooms are spacious and beautifully appointed. Great bathrooms with both indoor and outdoor showers. The service is exceptional, courteous, efficient and always smiling. From the incredible cooking to the hot water bottle left in the bed at turn down. Special mention deserves Fritz, the manager. I arrived sick to the lodge, and he was able to secure two doctor consultations within the hour and that same evening he handed me the medicines prescribed. All with a smile and refusing payment. That is kindness for you. The whole staff organises a show for my friend’s birthday that evening, with African song and dance performed exquisitely. The whole restaurant joined in and had the best time. In short. A magical experience. Very highly recommend"

Pablo D

★★★★★

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FAQs

General

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Journal

Doro Nawas featured stories

Many who come to Namibia’s Doro Nawas think twice about sharing their adventures, content to keep this special piece of Africa to themselves. We think Doro Nawas’ majestic beauty and abundant wildlife experiences are simply too good not to share. Here are a few stories.

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